Sound-box.



J. A. WILLIAMS.

SOUND .BOX.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 18, 1904.

987,205, Patented Mar. 21, 1911.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN A. WILLIAMS, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOIE TO HENRY C. MILLEB,-OF

' WAIEFRFORD, YORK.

scrum-Box;

Specification of Letters Patent. .Patented Mar, 21, 1911 Application filed .Tune 18, 1904. Seriailto. 218,175. I v

To all whom it may concern:

. Be it known that I, J on}: A: WILLIAMs, aritizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings-and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sound-Boxes, of

which the following is a specification.

, My present invention pertains to improvements in sound-boxes, the construction and advantages of which will be hereinafter set forth, reference being had to the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view, onthe line 1-1 of Fig. 2; Fig.2 a front face view, the compressionming or plate being partially broken away; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the various parts of the box, with the exception of the stylus-bar'o-r arm; Fig. 4 a vertlcal sectional view of the com bined indicating and locking device for the adjusting-screw; Fig. 5 a perspective view of "the stylus-bar or arm; Fig. 6 a sectional view on a somewhat enlarged scale,

showing a slight modification of the mounting of the diaphragm; and Fig. 7 a, perspective view of a modification of the means employed clamping the diaphragm. y

The primary object of my invention is to obtain a sound-box which may be readily assembled and adjusted by a person having but slight mechanical skill, the box then giving as good-results as if assembled by an expert in such work.

A further object is to provide means whereby the pressure on the edge of the diaphra may be varied, and the condition of the iaphragm so changed thereby that" it will accommodate itself to the class of work being undertaken. In other words, the box has a wide or universal range, reproducing high and low notes, blast notes,.and the tones of various instruments, or combina- I tions of instruments with equal facility, and

the tones reduced being perfectly true at all times. T e adjustment of the diaphragm alsope'rmits it to be regulated in accordance ,screw [which is employed to vary the amount of compression on the ring or plate) may be locked in position, and the degree of compression indicatedby acombined scale and pointer.

In the construction shown in Figs. 1,2 and 3, A denotes the shell or casing, having a sleeve B for attachment to the instrument, as usual. \Vithin the, lower portion of the shell, adjacent to the upstanding wall or rim C thereof. is formed a g100" or-channel D, a washer or gasketE, preferably of highgrarde rubber. overlying said groove and hearing at its inneredge upon the bottom of i the shell, A diaphragm F of mica, glass or other suitable material rests upon the gasket E, and a second packing-ring or gasket G is placed upon the diaphragm. A compression-ring or plate H overlies the parts thus %?embled, said ringor plate (as shown in gs. 1,2, 3 and 6) being provided'or formed with integral cross-bars I, which curve slightly upward from said ring. An adjusting-screw J is mounted in a supporting-bar- K, secured to the shell or casing, the lower end of said screw being slightly rounded and bearing upon the cross-bars at their point of junction.

'As tvill be readily appreciated, the degree of compression upon. the diaphragm may be varied as desired. and the pressure-exerted will be uniform by reason of the fact that force is applied to the ring or compressionplate at onepoint only, namely, tho center thereof, so that the pressure is exertjed evenly upon the diaphragm adjacent to its periphery or edge. In other words, the compression-plate may be said to have .auniversal tipping ortilting movement, with the rounded end or point of the adjusting-screw screwis loosened. When' the screw is turned inwardly, the lowermost gasket E is expanded circumfefentialiy and crowded into groove or channel I) to a greater or less degree, thereby tending to stretch the diaphragm and arch it to a slight extent, causing it to become extremely resilient and capable of producing a' sharper or thinner quality of tone. The tension thus caused has no tendency to wrinkle, furrow or dis tort the diaphragm, which is espe'ciallyapt to occur in case a mica diaphragm having slight undulations in its surface is used.

In order to asccrtainthe degrce'of com-' pression exerted by the screw and to hold the same in its adjusted position, the up er face of-the head of the screw is provi ed with a seriesfof radial notches'or recesses S, graduated as shown in Fig. 2. A barrel or tubular member S is in .lnted in the bar K, the opening in the lower portion of the bartion, thus forming a shoulder S or lunger S is mounted in the tubular memer S, and a spring S surrounds said pluner, bearing against the head thereof at its ower end and against the shoulder'S at its upper end, thereby tending to draw the lunger downwardly in the tubular member. gaid plunger is provided at or near its up I per end with a cross-pin S, which works 1n slots formed in the head of the tubular member ,S, the outer end of the cross-pm S overlying the head of the adjusting-screw J and entering the notches S formed therein as the adjusting-screw isrotated and its notches are brought into alinement with the crosspin. It will thus be seen that the spring tends to hold the cross-pin in engageme t with the adjusting-screw, and consequent locks saidscrew against accidental rotation,

' thereby preventing any change in the degree of compression exerted upon the diaphragm except when the screw is manually operated. The cross-pin. therefore serves the double function of an indicator and a locking device.

In Big. 6 a modification of the-lnvention is shown, wherein the presser-plate or ring H is formed with a circi'lmferential groove or recess H which provides a space for the expansion of gasket G', ove'rlying the diaphragm \Vith this arrangement the diaphragm may be put under stress or tension without being arched. The adjustment of the ring or presser-plate permits the adjustment of the device to compensate for deterioration of the gaskets, whether the resser-plate be provided with a groove as {2 (Fig. 6) or beef the form designated by H, Figs. 1, 2 and 3. v

The stylus-bar L is connected at its inner end to the diaphragm, to one side of the center thereof, see Figs. 1 and 2, by any-suitable adhesive, the outer end of the bar being soldered,.sweated or riveted in a groove or saw-cut formed in a post or stud M, extending upwardly from a. head or block N. A

. Q I season the web or plate. Copper, of 5/1000 of an inch in thickness has thus far given the best results. 7

7 As will be seen-upon reference to Fig. 1, the web stands in approximate alinement with the diaphragm, and by reason of this fact and the further fact that the head N lies elose to wall C of the frame, no endwise movement of the stylus-bar can take place. It simply rocks upon a line which extends through the web, and as the latter is preferably formed of a material possessing but slight resiliency there is in effect practically no esistance'to the rocking of the stylus-bar hen moving in consonance with the diaphragm. As will be seen, there are no loose parts; no parts to be adjusted, and, as a consequence, no parts which can produce a rattling noise.

The head N carries the usual needle or stylus P. The inner end of the stylus-bar just clears the diaphragm when the parts are assembled, and previous to its being secured to the diaphragm,consequertly there is no I tendency of the bar to buckle the diaphragm, as is the case in the usual construction, in which a screw passing through .the diaphragm enters the end. of the stylus-bar.

As revio'usly noted, the stylus-bar is connecte to the diaphragm to one side of the co ter thereof, or more nearly adjacent to that side of the frame to which the web 0 is secured. The point of attachment is, therefore, approximately coincident with the center of a line extending from the rockingpoint of the bar to the diametrically opposite side or edge of the diaphragm, thus msuring the greatest possible range of movement.

In Fig. 7 a slight modification of the invention is illustrated. Instead of making the presser-pla-te or ring and the cross-bars integral, they are separately formed, the ring being designated by the letter Q, and the spider or intermediate frame byR.

VVlth a compression ring or plate constructed as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and3, that is to say, formed of relatively light metal, struck up in a die, there is a tendency for the ring to respond slightly to the vibrations of the diaphragm, though not to a sufliclent degree to prove detrimental in practice. The rigidity of the structure, however, is

such as to permit the required degree of com- A pression to be applied to the diaphragm.

As hegeinbefore stated, the several parts of the box may be readily 'assembledand adj usted, and further the compression on the diaphra is equal throughout the entire extent 0 the plate or ring.

Having thus described my invention, what 2. In a sound-box, the combination'of a frame; a diaphragm ,mounted therein; a stylus connected to the diaphragm; a comrecess-formed adjacent to its pression-plate adjacent the diaphra and means for applying pressure. to said plate and permitting it to rock or tilt with reference to said means, "whereby the ressure may. be varied as desired but will even throughout theentire bearing surface of the plate, substantially as described' 3. In a sound-box, the combination of a frame having a groove or channel formed therein; a packingming overlying said groove or channel; a diaphragm; a second,

packing-ring mounted u n the diaphragm;

a resser-plate or ring aving a' groove or riphery. said plate-overlyingthe second pac ing-ring; and means for applying pressure to saidplate or ring.

4. In a sound-box, the combination ofa frame; a gasket or packing-ring mounted therein; ,a diaphragm mountedupon said packin -ring;' a second packing-ring. resting upon t e diaphragm; a compression-plate or ring mounted upon'said packing-ring,

said piate being provided with cross-bars or mem rs I; a supporting-bar secured to the frame and: extending over the compressionplate; and an adjusting-screw carried by said bar and bearing at its lower end upon the cross-bars of the compression-plate.

-5. In a sound-box, the combination ofya frame} a diaphragm mounted thereimsaid diaphragm being free to expand circumfeif entially; and means tendingto stretch-said 1 degree ofltension and docking the tension-- diaphragm, substantially as described; I

6. In a sound-box, the combination of a frame; a diaphragm mounted therein and free from-direct connection therewith; and meansfor up lying pressure to and-e rpandingthe diap ragm eircumferentially, substantially as described";

7. A sound box eoniprisin a casin having an annular flan e, a sifiastantial y flat diaphragm within t e casin a flange on wh ch the diaphragm is seated, and means actingon an annularljne within the margin" of the annular thecasing to dish suitable framei a diaphra --i n; a stylus-bar connected-to said diaphra diametrically oppos ,deterininingt ede e stantially'aa descri d.v

said diaphragm in concave-convex form throughout its entire areato alter the pitch i of the latter.

8. In a aound'box, the combination of a mounted therein; a stylus-bar connecte said diaphragm; and a web connecting said bar direc to the frame, the web yin the sameplane as the diaphragm.

9. Asound box comprising a diaphragm,

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a washer on which the'di aph-r'agm is seated, a washer acting on-an annular line .on the opposite side of the diaphragm to dish the latter in concavoeonvexform throughout its entire area, and means operatingthevlattcr washer.

10. Ina sound-box','th e combination o fa suitable frame; a diaphragm mounted thereat asingle point-t0 one side of the center, of

the diaphragm; and'a rocking connect-ion styl between sai us-bar and frame.

11. In a sound-box, the combination of a I suitable frame; a-diaphr'a'gm mounted therefin; a stylus-bar; a connection between said stylus-bar and the frame; and a single connection' between the st lus-bar and die phragm substantially midway between the connection of the bar to the frame and the ite= side of the diaphragm, substantially as and for the purt pose described.

12. In: a sound-box, the combination a.

suitable awe-. diaphfag'm he" in; a compression-'plate;-meansfor actuatmg said com ression'pl- 'te; and means for compression; sub-- 13. In a sound-box, the combination a suitable frame; .a diaphragm mounted therein; a-compression-plate; a screw for adjust phrag'm;--and means fpr tension;-

suitable frame; ajdia hragin; means for varying the state of ens'ion. ofrsai d diaand means for determining the 15. In a. sound-box Ellie-combination a varying means inposititm- 1-6. In a sound-bom-the combination 'of'a suitable frame; a diaphragm mounted, therein 5 compression-plate; a screw for adjust ing' said'plate; 3-808-18 working in con unC- .tion with-the screw; and meansior locking -'the screw in position. v .3

.17. In a sound-box,'tl\e combination of a suitable frame a diaphragm mounted therein; a compression-plate; a screw for adjusting said plate, the screwbeing provided" -with a series of notches; and a spring.

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pressed pin working in conjunction with said notches. s

18. In a sound-box, the combination of a Isuitable frame a' diaphragm mounted therein; a compression-plate, a screw for adjustmg said plate, the screw being provided with a series of'notches and graduations in line with said notches; and a sprmgpressed pin working in c0njuncti0n with said notches and serving to indicate the degree of compression and to hold the screw'in its adj usted' position.

19. In a sound-box, the combination of a suitableframe ;'a diaphragm mounted therein; a compression-plate; a supporting-bar; a screw for adjusting said plate, the screw being provided with a series of notches in its upper face; a tubular member carried .b aid supporting-bar adjacent to .the

screw; :1 spr1ng-pressed plunger mounted in said. tubular member; and a cross-pin car: ried by the up er' end of the plunger, 'the outer end 9f sai in lying in the same plane as thendt'ches f dr'med in the screw, subs st'antially as described.

20L In a sound-box, the combination of a frame; a'diaphragm mounted-thereimand a resilient compression rin riphery for holding the. aphragm;-

21. In a sound bo'x, the combination "of a frame, a '-dia-pliragm moan. ed therein; a resilient compression-ring for 'holdmg said dia hragm, said ring being freeat its perip ery; and means for ad usting the pressure of said ring.

22. In a sound-box, the combination of a frame; a diaphragm 'mounted therein; a compression-plate bearing on the diaphragm and free at its outer edge; and means for applying pressure centrally to said plate.

A soundbox comprising a diaphragm; means for altering the pitch of the dia- )hragm; an adjustable indicator coiiperatr mg with theitch-altering means; and means for hol ing justed position.

24. Ina sound box, frame fprmed with. an annular groove, a diaphragm, a gasket interposed between the dia hragm and frame, .the free edge of the gas et being adjacent the groove, an a resilient compression ring free at ts eriphery and adjacent the edge of the diap ragm to stretch the latter.

25. In a. sound box, the combination of a frame formed with an annular groove, a diaphragm, a gasket interposed between the dia hragm and frame, the free edge otthe gasliet being adjacent the groove, a resilient compression ring adjacent the free edge of the diaphragm, said 1111;; being free at its periphery, and means for ad ust ngthe pressure of said ring, to stretch the diaphragm,

26. A sound box comprising a diaphragm,

means for altering the pitch of the diafree at its p r.-

the indicator in ad-' the combination of a.

phragm, and an. adjustable indicator cooperating with the pitch altering means.

27. In a sound box, the combination of a suitable frame, a diaphragm therein, a' compress on plate, a screw for adjusting said plate. and a scale working in conjunction with the screw.

28. In a sound box, the combination with a frame, formed with arecess, a thin plate fitting in the recess, a stylus lever supported on the-th n plate, and a diaphragm with which the sylus lever cooperates.

sound box, the combination with a casing formed with a recess at its edge in alinement with the center of the casing, a diaphragm in the casing, a thin plate fitting in the recess, a stylus lever supported on the thin plate at a point beyond the edge of the casing, said stylus lever extending from the support in aradial line with the center of the diaphragm.

30. A sound box. comprisin a diaphra m, means for altering the pitc of the "aphragm including a frame, the freeedge of which is located adjacent the edge of the front of the'dia hragm, a support in front of the casing and the frame, and an adjusting device mounted in the front support and bearing on the -frame to stretch the diaphragm;

31. In a sound box, the combination with a casing. formed at its edge with a radial recess, a diaphragm, a flat thin plate fitting in the recess, a stylus lever supportedon the flat thin plate, a. stylus carried by the stylus lever at a point'belowthe thin'pla te.

32. A sound box comprisin a diaphragm, means cooperating with the liaphragm for altering the pitch, and,an indicating device attached'to the pitch altering means to in- 34. A sound box having "a diaphragm, re-

silient washers adjacent the diaphragm, a s ider for compressing the washers, and a single screw for adjusting the spider to regulate the pressure .of the spider on the washers. I,

35. A! sound'box comprising a diaphragm, means foraltering the pitch of the diahragrn, an indicatorcotiperating with the pitch altering means,'and means for limiting the movement'of the indicator. 1

36. A sound boa?2 comprising a casing, a diaphragm in the I operating with. the diaphragm, and a flat resilient plate extending from the periphery of the casing parallel with thediaphragm, and means for securing the flat resilient plate to the casing an t estylus lever/said asing, a stylus lever 00- from the periphery fiat resllient plate being unrestrained intermediately of its points of attachment to the casing and stylus bar. 7

37. A sound box com rising a casing formed with a groove, a at resilient plate fitting in the groove and extendingfrom the periphery of the casing and disposed wholly within the front and rear planes of the o posite walls thereof, and parallel to said walls, a diaphragm in the casm and a stylus lever formed with a groove an secured to the diaphragm, the outer end of therflatgesilient plate fittingin the groove in the stylus lever, said flat resilient late being unrestrained intermediately of its points of attachment to the casing and stylus bar.

38. A. sound box comprising a casing, a Hat resilient'plate extending from the periphery of the casing in a directed which is at an angle to the axis of said casing, a diaphragm in the casing, a stylus lever extending r m the diaphragm and connected to the casing by the fiat resilient plate, said flat resilient plate being unrestrained interm'ediately of its points of attachment to the casing and stylus bar.

v 39. A sound box, com rising a casing formed with'a groove, a at resilient plate fitting in the groove and extending from the periphery of the casing in a direction at an angle to the axis of said casing, fastening means passing through the casing and the flat resilient plate to hold the latter in position, diaphragm, and a stylus lever extendirl from the diaphragm and overlapping the periphery of the casing, and formed with a groove, the outer end of the flat re silient ate fitting in the latter groove.

401- sound box comprisin a casing, a stylus lever, a stylus, a diap ragm, a flat resilient plate attached to and extending of the casing, and attached at'its opposite end to thestylus l ever, and the diaphra being in a singe plane, said fiat resi ient spring stylus and resilient late plate being unrestrained intermediately of its pointsof attachment to the casing and stylus bar.

41. A sound box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus bar, and a flat resilient plateextending from said casing in a'plane at an angle to the periphery of said casing and attached to' the casing and the stylus bar at oppositely disposed ends, said plate being unrestrained intermediately of said points of attachment. I '42. Ina sound box, the. combination of a 'casing, adiaphragm, a stylus bar having a rigid arm, a spring fulcrum, parallel to the face of the diaphragm and having one end fastened rigidly to the rigid arm and its other end fastened to the casing, the said spring fulcrum being "flexible between the stylus arm and the casing, and unrestrained intermediatelyof said points of connection.

43. In a' sound box, the combination of a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus bar, a flexible fulcrum extending from the outer surface of the casing and parallel with the face thereof, said spring fulcrum 'being rigidly fastened to the cam: and the stylus bar, there being a minute' ex between the points of connection of the spring, and the utter being unrestrained between its points of attachment.

44. A sound box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus bar, and a resilient con nection extending from said casing in a plane at an angle tothe periphery of said casing and attached to the casing and stylus bar at oppositely disposed ends, said resili: ent connection being unrestrained inte'rme' diately of said points of attachment. 1

In testimony whereof lthave signed Indy name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

. JOHN A. \VILLIAMS.

Witnesses:

R. H. Morals, M. E. HEDGE. 

